Rideable galloping hobby horse with inflatable body

ABSTRACT

An amusement apparatus having an aft leg component which is securely attached to an inflatable body, a fore leg component pivotally attached to the body, each of the leg components terminating in an inflated sphere, a spring means connected between the fore leg component and the body tending to maintain the fore leg component in the forward position with respect to the body, the body being adapted to be straddled by a rider with the apparatus to be ridden as a horse is ridden with the result that the apparatus is caused to progress along the floor or the ground in a series of leaps generally comparable to the leaping action of a galloping horse.

United States Patent 1191 Simmons [54] RIDEABLE GALLOPING HOBBY HORSE WITH INFLATABLE BODY [76] Inventor: Clarence C. Simmons, 1722 N.

Winona Blvd. 203, Los Angeles, Calif. 90027 [22] Filed: Sept. 13, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 179,734

[56] References Cited 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,738,199 4/1956 Rand ..280/l.208

3,065,567 11/1962 Lemelson ..280/1.208

3,122,377 2/1964 Mortenson ..280/1.13

3,214,183 Simmons ..280/l.l82

[ Jan. 23, 1973 Primary Examiner-Leo Friaglia Assistant Examiner-V. Hom Attorney-Warren T. Jessup et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT An amusement apparatus having an aft leg component which is securely attached to an inflatable body, a fore leg component pivotally attached to the body, each of the leg components terminating in an inflated sphere, a spring means connected between the fore leg component and the body tending to maintain the fore leg component in the forward position with respect to the body, the body being adapted to be straddled by a rider with the apparatus to be ridden as a horse is ridden with the result that the apparatus is caused to progress along the floor or the ground in a series of leaps generally comparable to the leaping action of a galloping horse.

10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDmza I975 3.712.634

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CLARENCE C. SIMMONS $1: BY g E 2 g 2 JESSUP 8 BEECHER 90 NJ 92 9o ATTORNEYS RIDEABLE GALLOPING HOBBY HORSE WITH INFLATABLE BODY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of this invention relates to an amusement and exercising apparatus, and more particularly to an amusement and exercising apparatus in which the apparatus itself inherently limits the size of the rider to thereby prevent damage to the apparatus due to use by oversized riders.

Riding horses for children are in extremely widespread use It has been common to design such riding horses so that one can obtain the feeling of movement similar to the'movement a rider would incur if riding a real horse.

All known riding horses are constructed of a rigid material such as wood, metal or the like. It is common for riding horses to be designed for a certain childrens age group such as 4 years to 8 years. When such a rigid type of riding horse is overloaded by a large child or an adult, it is common for such rigid horses to break resulting in the loss of the usefulness of the horse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION which is pivotally secured a fore leg component. Each of the leg components terminate in a separately inflatable sphere. The body and the leg components are to be constructed of fabric reinforced rubber or plastic and are of sufficient thickness and strength to hold air pressure, and withstand the stresses of riding. Foot rests are to be located on the fore leg component which are adapted to cooperate with the feet of the rider. An inflatable head section is integrally connected to the body through an inflatable neck. A handle is connected to the neck and is adapted to be grasped by the rider. Braces are connected between the body and each of the leg components to limit the forward pivotal movement of the fore leg component andto limit the rearward bending movement of the aft leg component. Spring means is also connected between the body and the fore leg component.

The primary advantage of the apparatus of this invention is that, if the apparatus is overloaded, the apparatus merely collapses but does not incur any permanent damage which occurs in similar apparatuses constructed of rigid materials. Another advantage of the apparatus of this invention is that it provides a mobile structure that may be used indoors without damage to the floors or furniture. Another advantage of the apparatus of this invention is that it is relatively simple in construction and can be easily manufactured at a low cost. A further advantage of the apparatus of this invention is that it can be transmitted to the consumer in a deflated state thereby facilitating shipping.

The present invention is ideally adapted to convenient packages for storage and shipment, yet being easily and quickly assembled by the buyer/user.

The soft nature of the present structure minimizes the danger of injury to children playing with it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the first embodiment of this invention in a. general configuration to simulate a horse;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment taken along line 2 -2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the first embodiment taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of this invention taken along line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the first embodiment in a typical riding position;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified form of the hinge connection which connects the fore leg component to the body; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOW EMBODIMENTS Referring particularly to the first embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 1 5, there is illustrated a body 10, a fore leg component 12 and an aft leg component 14. The aft leg component 14 is integrally connected to the body 10 with the fore leg component 12 being attached to the body 10 at pivot joint 16. A neck 18 is integrally connected to the body 10 with a head 20 being also integrally connected to the neck 18. A handle 22 is fixedly attached to the neck 18. It is envisioned that the handle 22 is to be constructed of a hardwood dowel which passes through the interior of the neck 18 and extends laterally on each side thereof. The material of the neck is then formed around the ends of the dowel to provide an airtight seal.

The material of construction of the leg components, body, neck and head is envisioned to be fabric reinforced rubber or plastic. The body 10, aft leg component l4, neck 18 and head 20 are to be inflated as a single unit through a particular air pressure valve 24. It is found that pressure of approximately five pounds per square inch is adequate. The fore leg component 12 is to be inflated separately through an air pressure valve It is to be noted that the overall configuration of the apparatus of this invention is to simulate a horse. However, it is to be understood that other overall configurations could be employed without departing from the scope of this invention.

The fore leg component 12 includes legs 28 and 30 which are joined together at one end and connected to the body 10 through the hinge joint 16. The legs 28 and 30 are laterally supported by means of a brace 46. Within the first embodiment, the hinge joint 16 generally comprises an elongated and reinforced segment of the fabric material employed in this invention. The free ends of each of the legs 28 and 30 are attached to inflatable spheres 32 and 34 respectively. The spheres 32 and 34 are to be constructed of a rubber or plastic material but do not include the fabric reinforcement. Each of the spheres 32 and 34 is to be separately inflated through air pressure valves not shown.

The aft leg component 14 is similarly divided into legs 36 and 38 which are joined together at one end thereof to the body 10. The free end of each of the legs 36 and 38 are also similarly connected to inflatable spheres 40 and 42, respectively. The spheres 40 and 42 are to be similar in construction to the spheres 32 and 34 and are also to be separately inflated through air pressure valves (not shown). The legs 36 and 38 are laterally supported by means of a brace 44.

The connection of each of the Spheres 32, 34, 40 and 42 to their respective leg 28, 30, 36 and 38 is to be accomplished so that the connection maintains itself rigid even when the pressure within the leg differs from that in the spheres. This connection may be established through a thickened area of the reinforced fabric or may also be accomplished through the use of a metallic disc.

Although the fabric reinforced material is envisioned to be of sufficient strength to restrict the unit to definite size and shape, internal bracing may be employed if such is believed to be necessary.

Attached to each of the legs 28 and 30 through a bracket 48 and 50 is a brace 52 and 54 respectively. It is envisioned that the material of the braces 52 and 54 comprise strong cords or ropes, a nylon material being preferable. However, It is envisioned that other types of material could be employed such as wires. The free end of each of the braces 52 and 54 is attached by means of bracket 56 to the underside of the body 10. The function of each of the braces 52 and 54 further limits the amount of forward pivotal movement of the leg component 12 with respect to the body 10.

In a similar manner a cord brace 58 is connected to leg 38 by a bracket 60 with the free end of the brace 58 being connected by a bracket 62 to the body 10. Also a cord brace 64 is connected to the leg 36 by means of the bracket 66 with the free end of the brace 64 being connected by a bracket 68 to the body 10. The function of the braces 58 and 64 is to restrain the legs 36 and 38 against rearward bending movement with respect to the body 10. In other words the braces 58, 64, tend to maintain the apparatus of this invention in an upright relationship.

Secured to leg 28 on the side of the leg opposite bracket 48 is a bracket 70. An elongate tension member such as a stretchable cord or tension spring 72 is connected to the bracket 70 with the free end of the spring 72 being connected to a bracket 74 which is secured to the body 10. Similarly located upon leg 30 is a bracket 76, to which is secured a tension spring 78. The free end of the spring 78 is attached by means of a bracket 80 to the body 10. It is the function of springs 72 and 78 to exert a constant bias against the fore leg component 12 tending to maintain the junction 82 of the fore leg component 12 in contact with the body 10. As will become apparent further on in the description, the springs 72 and 78 also function to assist the desired movement of the entire apparatus.

Located upon the sphere 32 is a foot rest 84. Also located on sphere 34 is a foot rest 86. The function of the foot rests 84 and 86 is to provide a solid base for the riders feet, located forward of the longitudinal axis of their respective legs. Foot rests 84 and 86 are to be.

constructed of a relative hard material, such as hard rubber or the like.

The arrangement of the apparatus of this invention is such so that the body and leg components are limited in shape and size by the fabric incorporated in their construction. As the result, such will function substantially as a rigid unit while the deflection or compression and consequent rebound will be localized in the spheres where it is needed.

The attachment at the pivot joint 16 is normally made, as previously discussed by reinforced sections of the body material. An alternating connection may be made by using a hinge 88 as shown in FIG. 7 and 8. Hinge 88 comprises a first section 90 and a second section 92 which is connected together by a pivot pin (not shown). First section 90 is to be fixedly secured to the body 10 with a second section 92 being fixedly secured to the fore leg component 12 adjacentjunction 82.

Pivot joint 16 is located rearward of the fore leg component 12 to increase the length of the line of function (A straight line from the pivot joint to the ground contacting point of either sphere 32 or 34). Such gives a sufficient degree oflift or vertical movement to the body 10 and as it is moved forward during the cycle of operation. The foot rests 84 and 86 are sufficiently forward of the line of function to impart a proper amount of forward rolling movement to these spheres 32 and 34.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings is constructed of the same material and in the same manner except that the fore leg component 12' includes only a single leg 94. Similarly, the aft leg component 14 includes only a single leg (not shown). Secured to leg 94 is a single sphere 98 to which is secured on each side foot rest 100 and 102. In a similar manner, a sphere is to be secured to the single leg of the aft leg component, that sphere not including a foot rest. A tension spring 104 is to be connected by bracket 106 to the leg 94 with the opposite end of the spring being connected by bracket 108 to the body 10. Although not shown, a bracing arrangement is employed within the embodiment of FIG. 6 similar to the braces 52, 54, 58, and 64. The embodiment of FIG. 6 is to be operated in a manner similar to the first embodiment of this invention except that it is to be intended for more advanced riders requiring a greater skill in which to operate since there is only a dual leg arrangement.

The operation of both embodiments of this invention is as follows: It is desired that when effecting a riding of the embodiments of this invention that a galloping action be achieved similar to the galloping of a horse. This galloping action is clearly described within U.S. Pat. No. 3,214,183, issued Oct. 26, 1965, by the present inventor. The foregoing patent achieves the galloping action through the use of a rigidly constructed apparatus, where within the present invention, the galloping action is achieved through an inflatable apparatus.

The operation will be discussed by specific reference to the first embodiment of this invention, however, it is to be understood that the second embodiment operates in a similar manner. The rider straddles the body 10, and places his feet upon the foot rests. He then proceeds to jump upwardly from the foot rests, resulting in a rebounding action of the horse up from the riding surface. Incident to this movement, the spheres will be rolled slightly forward, effecting movement of the body 10 in an upward direction and forward. The rider then proceeds to lift up on the handle 22 as the spheres 32 and 34 leave the riding surface. This results in an advancing or forward movement of the aft leg component 14. It is important to not lean back, as the lift is accomplished. In this position, both the apparatus and the rider are momentarily in free fall. The rider is to then proceed to sit straight down on the body 10, imposing the stress upon the rear leg component 14. The rider then lets the fore leg component 12 spring back to the forward position as this is being done.

These three previously mentioned movements complete the first single cycle of operation. The rider must relax, feel out" the speed at which the horse operates, taking advantage of the rebound from the compressed spheres 32, 34, 40 and 42. There is a constant forward progression and a period of unsupported transit (separation from the riding surface with progression) in each cycle of operation. This galloping action is not to be confused with the walking or stepping type of action in which there is constant contact with the surface being traversed.

The springs 72 and 78 is of such a strength and rate as to unassistedly advance the fore leg component 12 to its complete forward position during the interval in each cycle of operation when the spheres 32 and 34 are out of contact with the riding surface.

What is claimed is: 1, An amusement apparatus comprising: an inflatable body adapted to be straddled by a rider;

an inflatable fore leg component connected to said body and including, at its free end, a first inflatable sphere assembly adapted to contact a riding surface;

an inflatable aft leg component fixedly secured to said body and including, at its free end, a second inflatable sphere assembly adapted to contact the riding surface;

foot rest means connected to said fore leg component to permit a compression force to be applied by the feet of the rider against said first inflatable sphere assembly;

said fore leg component being pivotally movable between a forward position directly adjacent said body and an aft position spaced from said body; and

biasmeans for exerting a continuous bias on said fore leg component tending to maintain such in said forward position.

2. An amusement apparatus comprising: M

an inflatable body adapted to be straddled by a rider;

an inflatable fore leg component connected to said body and including, at its free end, a first inflatable race; and an inflatable aft leg component fixedly secured to said body and including, at its free end, a second inflatable sphere assembly adapted to contact the riding surface;

said body and aft leg component being sufficiently strong to function substantially as a rigid unit during normal operation, while still allowing momentary collapse when overstressed.

3. The amusement apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein:

a handle means is connected to said body, said handle means being adapted to be grasped by the rider.

4. The amusement apparatus as defined within claim 3 wherein:

said fore leg component is pivotally connected by means of a pivot joint to said body, said pivot joint being located aft of the longitudinal axis of said fore leg component.

5. The apparatus as defined within claim 4 wherein: an aft brace means 18 connected between said body and said aft leg component, said aft brace means restraining said aft leg component against outward movement with respect to said body.

6. The apparatus as defined within claim 5 wherein:

a fore brace means is interconnected between said body and said fore leg component, said fore brace meanslimiting the amount of movement of said fore leg component from said aft position towards said forward position. 7. The apparatus as defined within claim 6 wherein: said fore brace means comprises a plurality of separate rope elements, and said aft brace means" comprises a plurality of separate rope elements. 8. The apparatus as defined within claim 1 wherein: said first inflatable sphere assembly comprising at least a first sphere, said second inflatable sphere assembly comprising at least a second sphere, said first sphere and said second s here'deiftsifig said fore leg component includes two separateleg elements, and said aft leg components includes two separate leg elements. 

2. An amusement apparatus comprising: an inflatable body, said body being adapted to be straddled by a rider; an inflatable fore leg component connected to said body and including, at its free end, a first inflatable sphere assembly adapted to contact a riding surface; an inflatable aft leg component fixedly secured to said body and including, at its free end, a second inflatable sphere assembly adapted to contact the riding surface; and said body and aft leg component are sufficiently strong to function substantially as a rigid unit during normal operation, while still allowing momentary collapse when overstressed.
 3. The amusement apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein: a handle means is connected to said body, said handle means being adapted to be grasped by the rider.
 4. The amusement apparatus as defined within claim 3 wherein: said fore leg component is pivotally connected by means of a pivot joint to said body, said pivot joint being located aft of the longitudinal axis of said fore leg component.
 5. The apparatus as defined within claim 4 wherein: an aft brace means is connected between said body and said aft leg component, said aft brace means restraining said aft leg component against outward movement with respect to said body.
 6. The apparatus as defined within claim 5 wherein: a fore brace means is interconnected between said body and said fore leg component, said fore brace means limiting the amount of movement of said fore leg component from said second position towards said first position.
 7. The apparatus as defined within claim 6 wherein: said fore brace means comprises a plurality of separate rope elements, said aft brace means comprising a plurality of separate rope elements.
 8. The apparatus as defined within claim 1 wherein: said first inflatable sphere assembly comprising at least a first sphere, said second inflatable sphere assembly comprising at least a second sphere, said first sphere and said second sphere being separately compartmented in respect to their respective leg components.
 9. The apparatus as defined within claim 1 wherein: said bias means comprises an elongate tension member.
 10. An apparatus as defined within claim 2 wherein: said fore leg component including two separate leg elements, said aft leg components including two separate leg elements. 